The United Nations has sounded the alarm on the devastating impact of global health aid cuts on maternal mortality rates. Despite progress in reducing maternal deaths, the numbers are stagnating, and funding cuts are putting thousands of lives at risk.
Maternal deaths have decreased by 40% globally between 2000 and 2023, thanks to improved access to essential health services. However, progress has slowed sharply since 2016, with an estimated 260,000 women still dying from pregnancy-related causes in 2023.
Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for approximately 70% of the global burden of maternal deaths, with countries like Chad, Central African Republic, Nigeria, Somalia, and Afghanistan facing the highest risks.
Severe funding cuts are forcing countries to scale back services for pregnant women, newborns, and children. Facility closures, loss of health workers, and disrupted supply chains are putting lives at risk.
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The COVID-19 pandemic has further exacerbated the issue, with an estimated 40,000 more women dying due to pregnancy or childbirth in 2021.
The UN is urging governments and the health community to prioritize maternal and newborn health, with a focus on improving access to quality maternity care and reproductive rights.
The World Health Organization, UNICEF, UNFPA, and the World Bank are calling for urgent investment in midwives, nurses, and community health workers to ensure every mother and baby has a chance to survive and thrive.
The goal is to reduce the maternal mortality ratio to less than 70 deaths per 100,000 births by 2030, but current progress is far off track.
The UN’s Sustainable Development Goal target for maternal survival is currently off track, and urgent action is needed to prevent maternal deaths.
The World Health Day campaign focuses on improving maternal and newborn health and survival, with the theme “Healthy beginnings, hopeful futures”.
